HFX Wanderers report cards: who is the biggest surprise at the season's halfway mark?

From Daniel Nimick to Tiago Coimbra, there are a number of Wanderers who have surpassed expectations

With Tuesday's win over Pacific FC, the Wanderers have now officially completed exactly half of their 2023 CPL matches.

Looking back to March, there were a lot of question marks around the club and what fans could expect with the influx of new players, new coaches and a new system under Patrice Gheisar.

Fast forward to today and a lot of the lingering questions have been answered.

There have been highs (think back to the dramatic win over Forge FC) and lows (the total collapse against York United) but the truth is the Wanderers are about where Gheisar and company predicted them to be: they are in the playoff picture and playing attacking football.

With a record of 4-7-3 — good for fifth on the table — Halifax has enjoyed a good run of games after drawing their first five matches of the season. If they keep their current form, there's a chance they could climb further to topple dynastic Forge or intrepid Cavalry by season's end.

But how did Halifax get here?

Josh Healey of the Wanderers Notebook sat down to give each Wanderers roster player their mid-season report card. The letter grades are based on each player's expectations going into the year and their respective roles on the squad. Players who have played less than 50 per cent of the matches so far have been given an incomplete grade until there is a larger sample size.

The players are sorted by their natural positions.

The rankings are based accordingly:

A = Excellent

B = Good

C = Okay

D= Poor

Let's get grading!

Forwards

Wesley Timoteo: B-

After a strong spell at FC Edmonton, many had Timoteo penciled into Halifax's starting XI. And although he's featured in 13 of the possible 14 matches, Timoteo has often been asked to play outside of his natural position or come on as a sub. Recently, due to injury and a desire to get the Montréal-native into matches, Timoteo has slotted in at left-back and hasn't looked out of place. He's not had the offensive impact expected but still has an excellent first touch, vision and laser passing. He's been underwhelming at times but could be a candidate to break out in the second half of the season with a little luck. One other note: he's a very popular teammate and always has a smile on his face in training.

Théo Collomb: B

When training camp started in March, there were three clear options for the striker position and Collomb, who was drafted in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft but released after nine matches with Vancouver Whitecaps II, seemed poised to win the role. He's scored three goals so far for the Wanderers and has looked solid as the tip of Gheisar's attacking shape but has played in only eight matches with Tiago Coimbra being the anointed front man as of late. Even with Coimbra sidelined due to injury, Gheisar opted to slot Massimo Ferrin to the centre of the pitch against Pacific, meaning that Collomb has an uphill battle to earn his spot back on the first team.

Tiago Coimbra: A-

The 19-year old striker has quickly become a fan favourite for his high octane style and yeoman-like work ethic. Although he was a bit unsure in his first few appearances, Coimbra has stepped forward to establish himself as Gheisar's go-to striker and exemplifies what the coach expects from his squad. It doesn't hurt that Coimbra has scored three goals and added an assist, including finishing the most impressive attacking play in Wanderers history. Add in the fact that he's logging essential U-21 minutes and you can expect Coimbra to feature regularly down the stretch. He's been a lovely surprise so far.

Massimo Ferrin: B+

Ferrin has proven he's a goal scorer at this level, leading the Wanderers in all competitions with four goals. At times, he's seemed Halifax's most dangerous attacker, especially earlier in the season but his promising start was hampered by injury. It took Ferrin a number of matches to find his footing after returning, potentially a sign that he wasn't fully mended. However, be it on the left wing or as a centre forward, Ferrin has re-found his touch, most recently with a goal and assist against Pacific. Look for him to round into form as he builds his confidence heading towards the playoffs. He's definitely a candidate to improve his grade by season's end.

Lifumpa Mwandwe: Incomplete

Mwandwe hasn't hit the necessary threshold to receive a letter grade but it's worth mentioning he's featured in five matches this season and earned his first start on Tuesday. He impressed against Pacific and, similar to Timoteo, is doing everything asked of him by the coaching staff to contribute.  Be it as a left winger or right-back, Mwandwe has been ready and willing. There's a reason Gheisar praised the England international's professionalism on Tuesday.

João Morelli: Incomplete

It's been a long and winding road for Morelli but somehow he's back in Halifax and ready to contribute to his club. Tuesday was an emotional night for both Morelli and the Wanderers faithful but with that milestone completed, he can now focus on working his way back into the squad. Time will tell how the rest of his season goes.

Midfielders

Aidan Daniels: A

What a difference a year makes. Given his pedigree and experience in both the MLS and USL, many fans were disappointed by Daniels' inaugural season with the Wanderers. He's worked hard to change that narrative in 2023, crediting his strong form to a more positive mindset, hard work and the support of his new head coach. He's been sensational this season and has put the club on his back a number of times with his quick-witted, cerebral play. It's no wonder João Morelli said on the Wanderer Grounds podcast he was most excited to play with Daniels.

Lorenzo Callegari: A

Callegari is the straw that stirs Halifax's drink and the perfect weapon for Gheisar's attacking philosophy. Now, his PSG resume definitely turned some heads but it wouldn't mean anything if he hadn't come prepared to work. To say he's delivered is an understatement; Callegari has been a joy to watch in Wanderers blue and plays with an unbridled passion for the game (the photos of Callegari screaming to the heavens after beating Forge do a good job of showing this). He's an artist at midfield, as gifted a footballer as we'll ever see in the CPL and Halifax's most complete player. There was a lot expected of Callegari when he arrived but he's quickly cemented himself as the best midfielder in the league.

Callum Watson: B

Watson is about as steady as they come. Be it in a starting role or off the bench, the English midfielder never stops moving and possesses an engine that's the envy of many a player. He's also quite the character, becoming an internet meme with his witticisms before he even played a match for the Wanderers. Technically, he's not exemplarily at any one skill but is decent at all. He's proven himself a capable goal scorer and is tied for the team lead with three. He's been solid and is a piece of the puzzle to Gheisar's aggressive style.

Tomas Giraldo: B

Giraldo is a young player who has been plagued by injury and he started this season once again hurt. However, once he made his debut, the young Montréaler has proved himself a wily midfielder and worked his way into Gheisar's good graces. Similar to Coimbra, Giraldo's U-21 minutes are crucial to the club so the coaching staff have been happy to reward the 20-year old's grit with playing time. Giraldo is a smart footballer and has the skill to match, linking up with Daniels and Coimbra for a highlight real goal against York. Having said that, Giraldo still has lots to learn but the beginning of his Wanderers career has been promising.

Mo Omar: B-

Coming out of last season, the club made it known that they wanted to convert Omar into a centre-back. And they tried it, to mixed results. Gheisar then switched Omar to midfield, the role he played during his successful NCAA career, but he struggled mightily during the disastrous loss to York United. However, in the weeks since the lowest point of his season, Omar has been solid alongside Callegari as a defensive midfielder, displaying the coolness and football IQ which got him drafted to the MLS. The season has been a mixed bag for the Ontario-native but he's persevered in the last few weeks to re-establish himself (he was rated lower until recently). With the return of Andre Rampersad from the Gold Cup, it'll be up to Omar to fight for his spot in the starting XI or he'll find himself an auxiliary piece on the squad with an uncertain future. The time to show his quality is now.

Andre Rampersad: C+

Rampersad has not had the season he likely envisioned for himself. Like Omar, the year started with a different role than he's played in previous seasons: a shot at playing as an offensive midfielder. The results were mixed as he had a fine assist during his 100th appearance for the club but was directly responsible for two goals against, having been stripped carrying the ball up. Add in his missed opportunity against Pacific and you get a player in crisis. Rampersad did get a call up to Trinidad and Tobago's national team but to add insult to injury, the Wanderers looked better without him playing and went on a run while he was at the Gold Cup. Gheisar showed faith in his captain and Rampersad responded by having perhaps his best match this year on Tuesday, his first since returning from international duty. But like Omar, Rampersad needs to show his ability to re-establish his leading role on the squad. He's got the tools to do it.

Armaan Wilson: Incomplete

He's featured for a smattering of minutes so it's far too early to comment on Wilson. Having said that, he's got a profile the Wanderers like: tall, athletic and with a good work ethic. Expect Wilson to get more time as Halifax scrambles to hit their 2,000 required U-21 minutes.

Defenders

Cale Loughrey: B

At the beginning of the season, Loughrey found himself on the outside looking in while the coaching staff trialed players in various positions. But once he got his shot, Loughrey has been a constant next to Daniel Nimick and together they have built a great partnership (if Morelli is the King, then Nimick and Loughrey are the Two Towers) on Halifax's backline. Loughrey is tall and strong and strikes the profile of an old school defender with bite but still possesses the ability to distribute as well. Like many other players, he's got a long history with Gheisar and seems to have found his role on the squad. A welcome addition.

Zachary Fernandez: A

He's a spitfire down the right side, football's version of a Tasmanian devil with a French-Canadian accent. Now, Fernandez impressed with his ball playing ability last year but has stepped it up this season, bombing along the right side of the pitch with attacking purpose. He's speedy but has added goal scoring to his resume, potting two in dramatic fashion. In a word, he's been brilliant and is an important part of this Wanderers team.

Riley Ferrazzo: B-

Ferrazzo played left-back for Gheisar's Vaughan Azzurri squad but like other players scrambling to find a seat, has been deployed all over the map. Early on in the season, as a right-back, Ferrazzo was going forward to form the double pivot with Callegari. But as time progressed, Ferrazzo has found himself playing Fernandez's winger role, been plopped at midfield and tucked in as a left-back. He's got good vision and pacing but is still adapting to the professional ranks. With injuries to Ryan James and Jake Ruby, there's an opportunity for Ferrazzo to earn more minutes.

Cristian Campagna: C+

Campagna has been solid but has not established himself as many predicted. Given his form and experience last year, pundits expected Campagna to be a fixture of the first team and for good reason. He's a great passer, able to deliver the ball both accurately and with pace. He's got decent size and a tireless work ethic. He'd proven himself in MLS Next Pro. But the rise of the Nimick-Loughrey partnership pushed Campagna to the periphery, meaning he's appeared in only eight matches. He's been serviceable but that is short of what was expected of him; Campagna has the potential to do so much more.

Daniel Nimick: A+

Very few knew what to expect from Daniel Nimick when he signed for the Wanderers. His meteoric rise has been a revelation to say the least, causing Gheisar to claim that Nimick is both underrated and one of the best centre-backs in the CPL already. Not bad for a player who has only played 14 matches thus far. It's hard to disagree with Gheisar as Nimick is a fantastic defender, especially one-on-one, a dynamic passer (think of that diagonal to Ferrin) and at 22-years old, seems like he's a 10-year veteran. His composure to bury the PK against Forge speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and character: this kid is the real deal. He's been the Wanderers most surprising discovery given the lack of hype.

Ryan James: Incomplete

His impact was brief yet bright; a promising handful of matches where fans thought the Wanderers' left-back woes were finally solved. So when Halifax announced that James was done for the season due to injury, it was gutting for both club and player. A speedy recovery to a class act.

Jake Ruby: Incomplete

Similar to James, Ruby has looked good when on the pitch. The issue is he's injured once again. It's impossible not to feel for the player as he has the skill and IQ to play at this level but his body can't seem to hold up to the strains. Hopefully, he can make a return this season to help the club down the stretch.

Goalkeepers

Yann Fillion: B

Fillion has been exactly what the Wanderers needed him to be: an even-keeled, savvy veteran who can help a young squad navigate the highs and lows of professional football. Oh, and he stops the ball, too. He's got good reach thanks to his big frame and has made some key saves to secure points. But perhaps more importantly, he is a calming presence to his backline and gives the rest of the squad the confidence to attack. His teammates are comfortable with him in net which is why he's played every minute so far. He's one cool customer.

Aiden Rushenas: Incomplete

Although he hasn't played a minute for the first team, the club may need to play Rushenas down the stretch to get their U-21 minutes. They also got him playing time during the U-23 squad's summer series against German club Holstein Kiel.

Feel free to share your player grades by tagging @WanderersNotes on Twitter or by leaving a comment on this page!

Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC